Description
The 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton emerged at the height of Packard’s Classic Era dominance, built on the long 145-inch wheelbase chassis and powered by the refined 384-cubic-inch straight-eight that symbolized the company’s engineering excellence and prestige. Developed as a flagship open model, the 745 combined advanced mechanicals with quality coachwork, giving affluent buyers a car that was as sophisticated to drive as it was impressive to arrive in. The dual-cowl sport phaeton body style is especially desirable today for its dramatic proportions, open-air touring experience, and elegant, sporting profile, offering the glamour of a convertible with the practicality of four-door, dual-compartment luxury motoring.
Well known within the collector car hobby as the “The Craven Packard”, this example’s known history starts when it was delivered new by Packard Westchester, of New York State, on June 27, 1930. The first known owner would be noted California-based Packard collector Harold Crosby, who acquired it in 1969, and is believed to have obtained it from Mike McManus’ Atlantic Auto Wreckers, as Mr. Crosby is known to have acquired several prominent cars from there. Noted for his fine eye for automobiles, Mr. Crosby once owned three Vee-windshield Individual Custom Dietrich Packards. Under his stewardship, this Packard was the recipient of a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration. Crosby would go on to show his Packard at multiple noted events where it won Best of Show at the Santa Cruz Concours d’Elegance, achieved a perfect 100-point score at the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Far West Grand Classic, and most importantly took home a Best in Class at the 1970 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Shortly after winning its prestigious awards, Tom Lester, the founder of the Lester Tire Company, would welcome this Packard into his own collection. Mr. Lester would then sell this Packard in 1972 to the Craven Foundation of Toronto, Ontario. Established by the Canadian Tobacco Company of the same name, the Craven Foundation was comprised of a large gathering of finely selected automobiles and a large reference library, housed together in a purpose-built public museum. Known as one of the greatest collections ever housed in Canada, this Dual-Cowl Phaeton Packard was hailed as one of the more famous, “signature” automobiles within the collection. Following the acquisition of the House of Craven, the museum was dispersed and this Packard was acquired by Ross N. Young of Lindsay, Ontario in 1986. Retaining the car for 22 years, Young would sell this Packard to noted Ontario collector and enthusiast Jim Miller in 2008. Under his care, this Packard underwent a high-quality cosmetic restoration carried out by RM Auto Restoration. During this process, it was refinished in the same Packard Blue and black selected by Harold Crosby and the chrome was re-plated. The restoration was finished in 2010 and documented by a handful of photos. A treasure among his impressive collection, Larry Tichner of Ontario would acquire this example in 2013 and then noted Ohio collectors Jim and Namcy Scharfeld in 2015, who would then sell it to the late Dave Poulson.
Under Mr. Poulson’s care, this Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton was once again entered into the show field, where, in 2016, this superb Packard obtained its AACA Senior National First Prize badge and then in 2020 was pinned with a Grand National Winning badge. It also won the Award of Distinction at the Ault Park Concours d’Elegance, was invited and shown at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and won the Lion Award at the Concours d’Elegance of America. Mr. Poulson would sell this marvelous and storied Packard to the current owner, who has greatly and carefully appreciated its stout and important presence for a number of years, maintaining it in concours show appearance.
A commanding Packard, it is equipped with a host of desirable beauty items and accessories such as dual Pilot Ray lights, a radiator stone guard, dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, dual cowl lights, wind wings, a trunk rack, and chrome wire wheels. Under the hood, the 384-cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine is dialed in making this Packard a proper and sporting example to thoroughly enjoy on noted tours and at events around the globe.
A striking example of one of the most desirable body styles to be placed on a senior Packard chassis, this 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton, with its impressive list of previous owners and accolades, is ready to be further enjoyed on prestigious show fields or be greatly admired in noted collections and museums around the globe.
This 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton is located in Auburn, Indiana, which is centrally located and within a few hours by car from Indianapolis, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Cleveland, Ohio.
